RED MX5

OK, NOW we have the information we need, and XViper and Billman will probably chime in. I strongly suggest that you take THEIR advice and just ignore everyone else (including me ).

However, I'll tell you that most of the guys who have suggested that you may have stretched your retainers probably aren't aware that your car has thicher retainers than the ones that are known for stretching. Billman or one of the other *real* experts will have to verify this, but I believe that with the thicker retianers you're valves will come into contact with the pistons before the retainers stretch (or crack). If that had happened, you'd know about it right away.

Having said all that, and not wanting to come across like a jerk, I still have to ask you if you have read your owners manual? Do you realize that the way you are "breaking in" the car has some potentially seirous downsides?

RED MX5

Notice that this happens with pre-MY04 cars.

I believe Billman said he hadn't seen it on a later model car, because they have thicker retainers.

BILLMAN!!!???

FOPAUL13

No, not a problem and definitely didn't come across as a jerk...I've had my s2k since 8/29, but already have 1300 miles on it...Broke it in by not getting over 4200 rpm for the first 800 miles, and then normalish driving with vtec engagement since...

Based on stuff I read through the threads, this seems to be normal break-in...if not, can you let me know and i can tone it down...

Dave-ROR

We have the information, but not from the OP.

What ever happened to the OP anyways?

RED MX5

I'm sorry FoPaul; When you answered questions the OP needed to answer I got a little confused, and mistook you for the OP. My mistake.

David-ROR, thanks for bringing my confusion to my attention.

OP, you're the one who should read your owners manual.

xviper

3rd gear tops out at about 78 mph. If you were going 82 mph at the time (worse case scenario), your rpms could have gone as high as 8300 rpm. You are worrying about nothing.

djpeak10

that is what I was trying to tell you. motor is safe up unitl 10k

harrrrry

Hi everyone, to clarify, I am the OP and I'm here with a eensy-weensy bit of news.

I haven't bought the car in to get my valves checked..yet. But so far, I don't feel or hear or smell any difference compared to the first time I drove the S off the lot.

But I do plan on taking it in to have it looked at very soon (the pictures concern me, but yet the explanation of thicker retainers from some posters is keeping my concern mellow).

I appreciate everyone's input, especially those much more familiar with the car. I don't want any type of heat going on between the members, and I hope we can all learn from MY personal mistakes.

I'll check back often. Anyone with similar experiences as I, please feel free to chime in. I hope this thread can provide good lessons/tips for all S owners. Thanks

Dave-ROR

So you aren't going to provide us with more details so we can provide a correct response?

derek14

Honda-tech is the (ruined) site for people/comments such as this. Take it there or elsewhere. These kinds of things are what furiate other users here.